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"Imagine"

© Chris Mindel

On May 4, 2002, a sound will be heard like no other on Earth. It will blossom from a very ancient and special creation. The place is the Great Wall of China. The sound: one thousand saxophones playing together in a very special concert. Who started all this? Those fun-loving virtuosi known as the Nuclear Whales Saxophone Orchestra, that’s who!

The Nuclear Whales and Giant Saxophone Productions are joining with the Poly Culture & Art Company of China (one of China’s most important performing arts companies and one of the main sponsors of the Beijing Music Festival) to unite at least five hundred Chinese saxophonists with five hundred more saxophonists from around the world. A fifty-five minute long concert will be broadcast live through China, and many parts of Asia, as well as on the internet. The concert will also be recorded for a documentary.

Many years ago, stone walls were constructed in various parts of China to protect the towns from invading peoples. In the 3rd Century BC, the Ch’in dynasty started a project to unite all the little walls into one long and massive protective barrier. The form we recognize the Great Wall today was helped by the Ming dynasty (1368-1644 AD). The idea of uniting many smaller walls to produce a large wall is a great metaphor for this concert. All the saxophonists that can assemble will unite to form probably the largest saxophone orchestra of all time. Indeed, the FAQ from the Nuclear Whales page has the question: What if there are more than 1,000 saxophones? The answer: “Great! We will shatter the Guinness World record”.

The music played will be a large mix of styles and nationalities. At least two pieces will be composed for this event, and they will be played with (possibly) a Chinese folk tune, Duke Ellington, Nuclear Whale originals, Strauss, and . . . maybe what you recommend! They are taking requests. In fact, the website is set up with a message board to post music suggestions, help answer any questions, see who is bringing what sax (a large variety of sizes is desired), and find a roommate.

I highly recommend you check out the main page (look at the end of this article for a link), and, if you can, add your voice to such an important union of saxophonists. Will I be there? If I can find a way to scrape together $1,675, you bet I will. That price, incidentally, is through Tour Arts Inc., and includes airfare from California, accommodations in a Four Star Hotel, all meals, and transportation. And you won’t just arrive – play – and leave. Oh, no. There are three days of rehearsals (and clinics with some of the best players in the world!), a free day, and the day of the big concert. This is perhaps, and without hyperbole, the most important concert you could ever be a part of – ever!

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